Arizona State and Arizona would like to forget last year's NFL draft experience. For the first time since 1960, neither desert school had anyone selected, an embarrassing moment for both programs.

That streak shouldn't continue.

Draft experts expect two former Sun Devils — defensive tackle Will Sutton and linebacker Carl Bradford — to be early-round selections. Many also expect former UA running back Ka'Deem Carey (a mid-round pick) and former ASU running back Marion Grice (a late-round selection) to hear their names called.

Sutton, a two-time Pac-12 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year, is coming off what many consider a down year. As a junior, playing at around 280 pounds, he was a terror, collecting 23½ tackles for a loss, including 13 sacks. Last season, with his weight close to 320 pounds, Sutton didn't have his trademark quickness and his numbers dipped to 13½ and four.

"The way he performed on the field this year was not to the level we had seen," ESPN draft specialist Mel Kiper Jr. said. "I think somebody is going to maybe try and balance it out (and say), 'OK, if we can get him at the right weight, get him back to the way he was, rotate him in there, you get a guy that can make some things happen behind the line of scrimmage.' I think he's somebody (who could go) maybe in the third or fourth round."

In preparation for the draft, Sutton dropped his weight to 295 and appeared to be in the best shape since his junior season. He's shown what he can do at that size, which is why Rob Rang, senior draft analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, thinks Sutton could go in the second round.

"The thing is, he's a very talented pass rusher," Rang said. "Obviously, the weight was a concern. When you see a player like that come back for his senior season, and whether it be ego or bad advice or whatever, the fact remains he wasn't as good. At the same time, other than quarterbacks, pass rushers are king in the NFL. Teams are going to be willing to gamble on that."

Bradford, who declared for the NFL after his junior season, played "Devil-backer" at ASU, a hybrid position that mostly had him lined up as a rush linebacker. Last year, he posted 19 tackles for a loss, including 8½ sacks. Some draft experts consider him a better prospect than Sutton simply because of his athletic ability and versatility. Bradford is mainly getting looks at outside and middle linebacker, but at least one team asked about his comfort level at fullback.

"I think Bradford's a little underrated, a little under the radar as a guy that can really help you off the edge, can really do some things from a mobility and athletic standpoint," said Kiper, projecting a third- or fourth-round selection.

UA's Carey, a first-team All-American, is in a difficult position. NFL teams don't value running backs like they have in previous years. Last season, no running back went in the first round, and this year Kiper calls the position "a second-tier need." As a result, most expect Carey to slip into the middle rounds.

Rang said Grice, who scored 20 touchdowns last season despite missing three games, might have the best hands of any running back in the draft. He also said Irabor, a four-year starter, has a "little buzz" as a potential late-round pick.

Other UA players with a chance to get drafted include cornerback Shaquille Richardson and outside linebacker Marquis Flowers.

The 2014 NFL Draft will be held May 8-10. To prepare, USA TODAY Sports' Brent Sobleski ranks the top prospects at each position. Here are the running backs.

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First-round talent?

No running back was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. It was the first time the position wasn't selected during the first round in 50 years. History is set to repeat itself. The 2014 running back class is devoid of a first-round talent. Here are the top running back prospects for the 2014 NFL draft:

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1. Tre Mason, Auburn

As the season wore on, Mason got stronger. In the Iron Bowl and the SEC and National Championship games, Mason carried the ball 109 times for 663 yards. Mason is a stout runner with the rare ability to cut without decelerating. He also presses the hole and sets up blockers well.

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2. Jeremy Hill, LSU

Hill is an easy projection because he comes out of a pro-style running attack. Hill is a big and physical back at 233 pounds, who also has the ability to break long runs. The biggest question surrounding Hill is an off-the-field incident which occurred prior to the season.

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3. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State

Hyde is very similar to Hill in size and production. The biggest difference is Hyde played in a spread scheme, where most of his yards were gained running downhill. Hyde can make quick cuts in small areas to make defenders miss. He's also an option in the passing game.

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4. Charles Sims, West Virginia

Sims has very good speed and quickness as a runner. Yet, he was tentative at times during his one year playing with the Mountaineers. Sims is also one of the most polished receivers among the running backs with 213 career catches.

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5. Andre Williams, Boston College

Williams was a true workhorse for the Eagles. He carried the ball 355 times for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns. Williams is a big back (5-11, 230) at his best running between the tackles.

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6. Terrance West, Towson

West is another high-volume ball carrier. He ran the ball 391 times for 2,468 yards and 40 touchdowns. West is a decisive one-cut runner and tremendous in short-yard situations.

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7. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor

Seastrunk is easily the most explosive runner in this class. He explodes through a hole and runs by defenders. The main concern his toughness and ability, or lack thereof, to run effectively between the tackles.

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8. Bishop Sankey, Washington

Sankey is a good all-around back, but there are questions why his performances didn't look as explosive as his workouts. He doesn't look overly explosive during games, but he ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the combine.

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9. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona

Over the past two seasons, no running back at the FBS level ran for more yards than Carey. Carey is a strong one-cut zone-scheme runner. But he's not the best overall athlete or the biggest back.

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10. Marion Grice, Arizona State

Grice brings value on third down. He is the most advanced pass catcher of this group. He's as comfortable lined up wide as he is taking a hand-off.